New Delhi: In a new development reflecting a more compassionate and inclusive approach to employee welfare, the Government of India has clarified that central government employees can officially avail various types of leave to care for their elderly parents.
Responding to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, stated that the existing leave entitlements under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, can be utilized for personal responsibilities — including the care of ageing parents.
As per the rules, employees are entitled to 30 days of Earned Leave, 20 days of Half Pay Leave, 8 days of Casual Leave, and 2 days of Restricted Holiday annually. These provisions are in addition to other eligible leaves already available to central government staff.
This clarification comes in response to a question by MP Smt. Sumitra Balmik, who asked whether there was any specific provision for leave to take care of elderly parents and whether the government would consider a dedicated ‘sick care leave’ similar to child care leave.
While the government has not introduced a separate category of leave exclusively for elder care, the reaffirmation that existing leave can be utilized for this purpose is being seen as a step toward promoting work-life balance and supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities.
The move is likely to be welcomed by thousands of government employees across the country, many of whom shoulder dual responsibilities at home and work. It also aligns with India’s evolving demographic needs, where increasing life expectancy and an ageing population are raising the demand for elderly care.
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